The new generation of the EXACTCAST OPTIMA family: Even greater efficiency through modular diversity

New generation of mini-risers and simulation demonstrations at the GIFA 2019 trade fair in Düsseldorf

Hilden, 28.05.2019 – Increased efficiency through customized mini-riser solutions: With OPTIMA 2.0, the new generation of mini - risers by EXACTCAST, ASK Chemicals has developed a modular system with numerous innovative components. The Hilden-based company presents OPTIMA 2.0 for the first time in June at the GIFA 2019 trade fair in Duesseldorf. ASK Chemicals will also demonstrate the digital simulation of casting production there. In the newest version of the MAGMA database, all feeding systems of the company can now be easily used, without exception.

The expansion of the OPTIMA mini-riser family means a further increase in the efficiency of the proven EXACTCAST technology. "The new modular systems enable maximum flexibility and can be tailored precisely to individual requirements," explains Udo Skerdi, Business Line Manager Risers & Filters at ASK Chemicals. "The required amount of the casting material is reduced together with the effort involved in the preparation and post-processing."

A further advantage is the avoidance of casting defects and impurities. Skerdi: "Foundries can thereby work more economically, save costs and simultaneously increase efficiency and product quality."

Flexible and sustainable
OPTIMA 2.0 is an especially user-friendly system. All components can be combined flexibly into customized solutions. OPTIMA 2.0 allows, for example, the use of feeders in the smallest spaces and a wide variety of feeder volumes. The mini-risers can be manufactured as water glass, or as cold-box variants as needed.

The OPTIMA mini-riser solutions can be well arranged even on complicated casting geometries due to their small attachment area. The risers have a loose bushing with an accompanying mandrel; they achieve a precisely defined breaking edge and thereby reduce production costs. The virtually frictionless bushing and the integrated feeder cover prevent the detachment of riser particles during the compaction process.

Innovative components
Innovations developed by ASK Chemicals count among the modules of the new OPTIMA generation, such as exothermic or insulating feeder covers with a mandrel guide made of non-crumbling plastic. They also contribute to the avoidance of impurities in the mould and associated casting defects, and to an increase in the cycle times of moulding lines. Strengthened feeder covers with an integrated rib structure, which better withstand mould pressure, are additional new features. Another example of an OPTIMA innovation is either an exothermic, or insulating bushing that prevents the feeder neck from solidifying prematurely.

For users who wish to avoid landfill costs and fluorine-related casting defects, a fluorine-free feeder variant is recommended. Foundries that wish to avoid pollutants due to organic feeders can also obtain all mixtures and variants from ASK Chemicals as a traditional water glass-bonded variant.

Even easier access to the feeder portfolio
With the newest version of the geometry database from MAGMASOFT®, which will be presented at the GIFA 2019 trade fair, make simulations with ASK Chemicals feeders much easier for users. All of the company's feeders will be available from the release of the version in MAGMASOFT® and will be selectable via a user-friendly navigation.

Feeder solutions differ greatly from one another, such as in their thermo-physical properties, their volumes and mixtures, as well as many more details. For foundries, it is important to correctly define the optimum feeder configuration already during casting development.

The effort required to do this is reduced considerably through the easy operation of the MAGMASOFT® database. Users can now refer to the innovative product portfolio of ASK Chemicals for the simulation of their casting.

Interested parties can experience the demo version of the new software release live at the ASK Chemicals (Hall 12, A22) and MAGMA (Hall 12, A19/20) booths at the GIFA trade fair.

 

 

 

 

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